Manatee Synth Tutorial 3 - Multimode Filter, RC Filter, Drive Section

video upload by Fred's Lab

Manatee Synth Tutorials

"Welcome to the third Manatee tutorial!

In this video, we will talk about the Fred's Lab Manatee filter and drive sections! You will learn how to set multiple filters of various models and become a real musician by showing off your drive section.

Covered are all the filter models, cutoff, resonance and tracking parameters and the modulation options of the filters, the extra RC filter and all the saturation / overdrive modules.

Background music: 'Eletrosamba' by Quincas Moreira - YouTube Audio Library

00:00 The multimode filter
01:01 LP2, HP2, BP2 2 pole models
04:22 LP4 & HP4 4 pole models
08:29 Filter EG-F control / modulation
09:57 "Brassy pad" sound-design example
12:55 Filter LFO-F control / modulation
14:23 All about self-oscillation
15:16 Filter tracking function
17:38 The extra RC filter
20:08 Notch filter model
20:55 The drive section
22:38 'Acid bass' sound-design example
23:08 Drive / saturation models"

https://fredslab.net/

Manatee Synth Tutorial 2 - Generator, Sub-oscillator, Play modes

video upload by Fred's Lab

"Welcome to the second Manatee tutorial!

In this video, we will talk about the Fred's Lab Manatee sound sources!
You will learn how to build up the raw timbre for your custom sounds.

Covered are the fundamentals and the extra parameters of the spectral generator and maker, the sub-oscillator and the various available play modes for a part. The glide, tremolo and vibrato functions are also demonstrated.

Background music: 'Eletrosamba' by Quincas Moreira - YouTube Audio Library"

Manatee Synth Tutorials

Manatee Synth Tutorial 1 - Installation, Navigation, Basic Editing

video upload by Fred's Lab

"Welcome to the first Manatee tutorial!

In this video, we introduce Manatee, Fred's Lab's 16-voice, 4-part spectral synthesizer, and walk through everything you need to get started.
You will learn what Manatee is, what equipment you need to play it, and how to navigate its interface efficiently.

Covered are the fundamentals of installation, navigation, preset management, and basic editing, including hidden and special pages, multi mode, and how to switch on the MPE support.

Background music: 'Eletrosamba' by Quincas Moreira - YouTube Audio Library"

Fred's Lab Tooro Custom Patches [Bank 1] by synth_nyc

via synth_nyc

"I’m pleased to inform you that Fred’s Lab just released my 50 Tooro Custom Patches [Bank 1]. You can listen to them in high resolution (24bit 96kHz PCM WAV masters, FLAC encoded) on my site (optimized for Chrome on MacOS and Windows):
https://synthnyc.com/index.php/album/freds-lab-tooro-custom-patches-bank-1/

or in low resolution on my bandcamp:
https://synthnyc.bandcamp.com/album/freds-lab-tooro-custom-patches-bank-1

All recorded at 24bit 96kHz PCM on UAD Apollo X hardware with mostly UAD FX.

All patches have been created from scratch using my TouchOSC bidirectional editor for the Tooro: https://vimeo.com/1148477983

Most patches have MW, Velocity, AT and PB configured.

All patches have their volume normalized, so there is no audio jumping from going to one patch to the next.

All patches have been named, though you will need an editor that supports this Tooro feature, or you can simply see it using SYSEX Librarian.

As usual, I’ve tried to highlight what I think is unique about the Tooro. I particularly like the Shaper (analog) filter which I think blends beautifully with the digital oscillators.
Also the LFOs AM mode is quite interesting when combined with a LFO Rise value.

This synth has a lot of (strong) character; like the Modal 002 and Super 6 to give an example of hybrid synths with (strong) character (IMHO); but sounds completely different.

I hope you’ll enjoy those 50 Tooro Custom Patches as much as I’ve enjoyed programming them.

They are available for purchase on Fred’s Lab website: https://fredslab.net/shop/shop-front.php"

Fred's Lab Töörö Polyphonic Hybrid Desktop Synthesizer w/ Case

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Fred's Lab ZeKit Paraphonic Hybrid Desktop Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

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Unlocking Alien Textures: Fred’s Lab Manatee 13-Minute Sound Journey & Demo

video upload by ADVENTURES OF SYNTH SAMURAI

"Dive into the ethereal, otherworldly sonic universe of the Fred’s Lab Manatee — the powerful 4-part multitimbral spectral synthesizer that’s taking sound design to new dimensions!

In this 13-minute deep jam, I explore the Manatee’s unique spectral engine (a clever blend of additive + wavetable synthesis), formant-shifting magic, spectrum rotation, virtual analog sub-oscillators, FM tones, lush pads, crystalline textures, eerie drones, and everything in between.

From mellow ambient soundscapes to psychedelic leads and shimmering digital atmospheres — this little beast delivers crystal-clear, inspiring tones that feel like nothing else on the market.

Perfect for fans of advanced digital synths, MPE expression, spectral synthesis, and anyone looking for fresh inspiration beyond the usual virtual analog suspects"

https://fredslab.net/

Fred's Lab Tooro TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0 by synth_nyc

GENERIC FEATURES:
- Display parameter Name and Value
- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value
- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW 1.60):
- 119 Program parameters implemented in the editor. Program parameters are bidirectional using SYSEX
- 22 Multi parameters implemented in the editor. Multi parameters are bidirectional using SYSEX
- DCO 1/2 User Wavetable Waves (1-4) selection (only available via SYSEX)
- Program Name (1-32) selection (only available via SYSEX)
- Multi (1-4) Channel, Multi (1-4) Preset, Multi (2-4) Volume, Multi (2-4) Balance (only available via SYSEX)
- MIDI Channel selection slider
- Part (select) + Program (change) selection sliders + buttons
- Program / Multi Buffer Request, Buffer Init and Buffer Write buttons using SYSEX

CLICK FOR MORE »

Fred's Set - Synths for Shelter event

video upload by Fred's Lab

https://fredslab.net/

"Join Fred live for 'Synths for Shelter', an online fundraising event in support of the SPCA Nova Scotia, helping give our homeless pets across New Scotland the care, comfort, and second chances they deserve. 🐶🐱

https://www.novascotiaspca.ca https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nova_Sc...

I will be performing a live machine set from my home studio in Bonn / Germany, just the machines, no computers or sequencers involved, on Fred's Lab synthesizers and more. Join me for some nice chillout ambient vibes and for a good cause, you’re invited!

Save the date: 25th of October 2025 @ 6:00 - 6:30 EST Time

Link to the SPCA fundraiser:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charit...

Link to the Synths for Shelter event:
https://www.youtube.com/live/MPztd-C7ZnY"

ASM Hydrasynth TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v5.0 & 64 Patches by synth_nyc

via synth_nyc

"Please find here 64 ASM Hydrasynth Custom Patches [Bank 1] created from scratch with my editor"

You can listen to them in high resolution (24bit 96kHz PCM WAV masters, FLAC encoded) on my site (optimized for Chrome on MacOS and Windows).

or in low resolution on my bandcamp. [embed below]

All recorded at 24bit 96kHz PCM on UAD Apollo X hardware with mainly UAD FX.

I have 4 fully digital synthesizers and I crafted patches for all 4:
Beetlecrab Audio Tempera
Waldorf Music Iridium desktop
Fred’s Lab Manatee
ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe

The Hydrasynth is the most challenging (IMHO) to find a sweet spot; however I’m pleased with this bank and I think there are some unique sounds in it."

ESK - MPC, e7, Manatee, VintageKeys + Gemini

video upload by Metunar

"Synthpop Jam with an Akai MPC X, GS Music e7, Fred's Lab Manatee, EMU Vintage Keys Plus and a GSI Gemini Rack. The Nord Modular i use only as Keyboard.
Direct recording with mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

3 Minutes with Fred’s Lab Manatee (No Talking) // A Sonic Monster

video upload by SYNTH SAMURAI

"Amazing Boutique Synthesizer from Fred’s Lab and absolute legend."

https://fredslab.net/en/manatee-module.php

Fred's Lab Manatee TouchOSC Bidirectional Editor v4.0

via synth_nyc

NB: This Bank B has entirely been created using the editor.

This is my favorite patch in that bank. It illustrates what the Manatee can do like a warm FM full body pad (that you can do on a DX synth) but with an aggressive attack and subtle spectral decay and movement that only the Manatee can do AFAIK.

Thanks to Fred’s Lab for providing me with the MIDI NRPN (and CC) specifications.

GENERIC FEATURES:
- Display parameter Name and Value
- Double click a slider or button to reset it to a default value
- MIDI data rate efficient: only sends a MIDI message if the parameter value is incremented or decremented by 1

SPECIFIC FEATURES (FW v1.06d):
- 1 Editor Page for the Part Main parameters
- 1 Editor Page for the Part Auxiliary parameters
- 1 Editor Page for the Multi parameters
- 1 Editor Page for the System parameters
- All 162 Part + 27 Multi + 48 System parameters implemented in the editor using NRPN. Part parameters are bidirectional using NRPN and SYSEX.
- MIDI Channel selection slider
- Bank (change) + Program (change) selection slider + buttons
- Buffer Init button using SYSEX

WORKFLOW 1 EDITING FROM PATCH (starting at 00:05 in the video above):
- Select a Bank & Program
- Go to the synth, press and hold the 1 button (the synth must be in Part mode)
- Start editing (the loaded patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Go to the synth, press and hold the 1 button to record it in your DAW / SYSEX librarian; or save it manually in the synth

WORKFLOW 2 EDITING FROM SCRATCH (starting at 01:18 in the video above):
- Press Buffer Init to send an Init Patch to the synth
- Start editing (the init patch) on the editor (the Patch is edited in the synth buffer)
- Go to the synth, press and hold the 1 button to record it in your DAW / SYSEX librarian; or save it manually in the synth

CLICK FOR MORE »

ESK - Manatee Delay Jam

video upload by Metunar

"Jam with the Fred's Lab Manatee Synthesizer. The Nord Modular i use only as Keyboard.
I play mostly with the Manatee Delay Time of 4 Sounds.
Direct recording with soft mastering."

http://www.metunar.ch

The Sonoclast Plastic Pitch MIDI Microtuner Unlocks Pitch for MIDI Synthesizers!

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Sonoclast

A 2025 MIDI INNOVATION AWARD entry

Playlist:

1. The Plastic Pitch MIDI Microtuner Unlocks Pitch for MIDI Synthesizers!
2. MIDI Pitch Bend and the Plastic Pitch / Microtuning Multitimbral Synths
3. MIDI Tuning Standard and the Plastic Pitch / Microtuning the Moog Sub37
4. How To Arpeggiate The Harmonic Series / A Plastic Pitch Musical Experiment
5. Using the Plastic Pitch MIDI Microtuner / Walkthrough
6. The Plastic Pitch Does MPE x2! Microtuning with Linnstrument and Fred's Lab Manatee



via this Reverb listing

"The Plastic Pitch is an award winning* MIDI microtuner with an intuitive interface made for experimenting with pitch. Create a custom scale with the twelve black and white tuning knobs, and play the scale with a standard MIDI keyboard or other MIDI controller. The tuning knobs operate at a one-cent resolution and can also be quantized to a Scala tuning. Tune multiple synths and multiple voices simultaneously using the four MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs.

The Plastic PItch receives input from MIDI controllers and transmits microtuned output to MIDI synthesizers. On the input side, use any combination of an MPE controller, basic MIDI keyboard, or other MIDI source like a DAW or sequencer. On the output side, MIDI tuning is accomplished using MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE), basic MIDI pitch bend, and/or MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS)--the tuning method is user-configurable and independent for each of the four MIDI outputs.

The Plastic Pitch is a complex device with many user-customizable options. Be sure to check out the video demos on the Plastic Pitch webpage or our YouTube channel to see examples of how it can be used.

* An earlier prototype was awarded Second Prize at the MIDI Innovation Awards in 2021."

Plastic Pitch Webpage"

This Synth Is More Powerful Than It Looks | FRED’S LAB MANATEE

video upload by Ollie Music

"Fred’s Lab really went off the rails with the Manatee. At first glance, it looks like a weird little box but under the hood? This thing is a psychedelic sound design machine.

In this video, I dive into what makes the Manatee so unique and why it completely blew my mind during sound design sessions. 👽✨"

Timetable :
00:00 Intro
00:39 Unipolar Mods
01:56 Hidden Envelopes
04:41 Hidden LFOs
05:08 FM anything
08:23 RingMod Forest Pads
13:05 Melt in time FX
16:36 The hidden Phaser
20:11 Fake a formant filter

Fred's Lab Manatee 4-Part Spectral Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Perfect Circuit listings

You can find demos of the Manatee in additional posts here.

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Being wrong about sound design... and sea mammals | FRED'S LAB MANATEE

video upload by Ollie Music

"Fred’s Lab Manatee Synthesizer – Full Tutorial & Sound Design Walkthrough.
Hello internet 👋 In this video, I’m diving into the Manatee by Fred’s Lab. A 4-part digital synthesizer that sounds wild and completely influenced my approach to sound design."

Fred's Lab Töörö Hybrid Polysynth Desktop Synthesizer SN 00065 w/ Extras

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

Pics of the case, instruction sheet, and sticker below.

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Live Electro Set @ SynthFest France 2025 – Manatee Synth in Action

video upload by Fred's Lab

"Here is my 25-minute live set recorded at SynthFest France 2025 in Nantes, performed entirely with Fred's Lab Manatee synthesizer + a PC laptop as MIDI sequencer and to throw the drums & voice samples in.

Direct sound from the Manatee, with a little compression added but no more.

This short set dives into electro, techno, psychedelic vibes, a bit of drum & bass, and many things in between. All synthetic sounds, effects, and mixing were handled live on the Manatee. Just one synth, four multitimbral parts, built-in FX, deep MIDI sequencing options = a ton of potential!

This performance was about pushing the Manatee to its limits and showing how far a single synth can go when it’s designed for performance, experimentation, and musical fun.

Massive thanks to the SynthFest France team for making this event happen and much love to the stage and video crew for capturing the moment and making everything run smooth.

Looking forward to see you all next year!

Fred."

https://fredslab.net/